Bridal Monogram Etiquette

“For instance, two dozen hand towels, with half a dozen bath towels, are enough for a moderate household. Six sheets, with eight pillow cases, will do for many months. Two pairs of blankets, three breakfast cloths, three dinner covers, with three dozen napkins, should keep a small, simple table provided with fresh linen until such time as the size of the income increases…”

According to etiquette, a bride’s belongings, whether they be personal or for the household, should be marked with the initials of her maiden name, Sentimentalists who yearn to have the new initial appear unfortunately must control expression of the wish until they send gifts that are not connected with the wedding. The sole exception to this rule is an English custom which permits of the bride’s personal and house linen being embroidered with the letter of her new name. 

A compensation for those who are disappointed, should there be any, is that table linen bearing the maiden letter, if used twenty years later, indicates a trousseau, and the associations are pleasant for the woman no longer a bride; the same is true of all her silver. The latter is supposed to be given by her father and mother, but if for any reason they are unable to make such a present, the discrepancies should be filled by near relatives. 

Jewels or large silver pieces may come from the bridegroom’s parents, but articles such as forks, spoons and etceteras are personal, and for the bride’s immediate family to provide. House linen comes in the same class, but there is a gleam of comfort for the girl who has only a limited income and must meet the infinite number of expenses incident upon her wedding, for the trousseau and house linen supply is no longer as large as was considered imperative years ago. 

For instance, two dozen hand towels, with half a dozen bath towels, are enough for a moderate household. Six sheets, with eight pillow cases, will do for many months. Two pairs of blankets, three breakfast cloths, three dinner covers, with three dozen napkins, should keep a small, simple table provided with fresh linen until such time as the size of the income increases. 

A couple of bureau scarfs and an equally small number of other linen pieces such as are required through the house complete a neat little outfit of which a girl may be proud. If she has half a dozen of everything pertaining to personal linen she may consider herself equipped for months. A number sufficient for daily needs in the house saves the trouble of keeping track of a large supply. To renew, or increase, the number one or two at a time is a pleasant way of spending money, and one that may sometimes be enjoyed without draining the purse. – Los Angeles Herald, 1909

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